Kofi Inkoom
Terry Stotts has stepped down from his role as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Stotts had joined the coaching staff earlier this season, bringing his extensive coaching experience to complement the first-year head coach, Adrian Griffin.
The reasons behind his departure, which occurred just one week before Milwaukee’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 26, remain unclear.
Some NBA fans may speculate whether Stotts’ decision is related to the acquisition of Damian Lillard.
Stotts had previously coached Lillard for a remarkable nine seasons during his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers.
When the Blazers parted ways with the 65-year-old coach after the 2020-21 season, there appeared to be no public indication of any discord between him and the star player.
In fact, Lillard had mentioned to Mark Medina of Sportskeeda that Stotts’ presence in Milwaukee had been instrumental in facilitating his transition to a new team.
He expressed confidence in the simplicity of the system, given his long-standing familiarity with Stotts’ coaching style.
“It’ll be smooth because I’ve been in the league a long time,” the seven-time All-Star said. “I’ve played with Terry for nine years. A lot of stuff that we put in is stuff that I’ve done for a long time. So, it’s simple for me. I understand it. I know where to find myself within that.” Dame said
Looking at the bigger picture, Adrian Griffin had expressed his enthusiasm when Stotts joined the Bucks’ coaching staff back in June.
It’s worth noting that this was Stotts’ first coaching role since leaving his position in Portland.
Over the course of his career, he has held the position of an NBA head coach for a total of 13 seasons, including a two-year stint with the Milwaukee Bucks from 2005 to 2007.